Modular floating swim platform

Abstract

A floating platform that has a flat low profile for use by swimmers, divers, boaters, and those engaged in other activities on water. The platform is used alone or as a module in combination with other such floating platform modules; attaching the modules to form a larger floating platform. In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the platform is provided with several connection points enabling multi-point attachment to other vessels and stationary objects, anchor straps and towing straps, and apertures configured to accommodate beverage containers, coolers, chairs, umbrellas, retractable tops and the like. In another embodiment, a detachable cover is attached to the module, the cover forming the floating platform surface. A stable platform and low profile are achieved through use of stiffeners integrated within the platform surface.

I claim:  
     
       1. A device for use as a floatable platform comprising: 
       a substantially planar module having a substantially flat top deck surface, a bottom, and an exterior edge defining the perimeter of the module;  
       one or more inflatable bladders defining the bottom and the perimeter of the module, each bladder having a top, a bottom, an exterior edge defining the perimeter of the bladder, an outside surface, and an inside surface, each said inflatable bladder further comprising an inflation valve and a plurality of substantially parallel longitudinal I-beam members integrated within said bladders and adjoining the top and bottom of the inside surface of the bladder; and  
       a plurality of connectors affixed to the exterior edge of the module, whereby the module is releasably engagable with additional modules, fixed objects, boats, other vessels, and anchoring devices.  
     
     
       2. The device of  claim 1  having a ratio of thickness to top surface area of less than 1:640. 
     
     
       3. The device of  claim 1  having a thickness of 8 inches or less. 
     
     
       4. The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a reinforced strap affixed to a corner location along the exterior edge of the module, whereby the module is towable from one corner. 
     
     
       5. The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of apertures located within the top deck surface to receive releasably attachable accessory items comprising beverage containers, coolers, chairs, umbrellas, retractable tops and the like. 
     
     
       6. The apertures of  claim 5 , further comprising a plurality of shaped receptacles to receive releasably attachable accessory items comprising beverage containers, coolers, chairs, umbrellas, and retractable tops. 
     
     
       7. The exterior edge of  claim 1 , further comprising at least four substantially flat sides along the perimeter of the module, whereby the module is attachable to at least one additional module in linear and rectangular configurations. 
     
     
       8. The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of stiffening members integrated within said top deck surface. 
     
     
       9. The device of  claim 8 , wherein said stiffening members comprise plywood sheets. 
     
     
       10. The device of  claim 9  wherein said plywood sheets are sealed inside a foldable, sealable plastic sleeve. 
     
     
       11. The device of  claim 8  wherein said stiffening members comprise rigid plastic sheets. 
     
     
       12. The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an external cover having a substantially flat upper surface, a bottom, an exterior edge defining the perimeter of the module, and a plurality of connectors affixed to the exterior edge of the external cover, whereby the external cover is releasably attachable to the top of the module. 
     
     
       13. The device of  claim 12 , further comprising at least one fluid permeable element integrated within the upper surface of the external cover such that water drainage is facilitated. 
     
     
       14. The device of  claim 12 , further comprising stiffening members integrated within the upper surface of the external cover, whereby the top deck surface of the module is defined by the upper surface of the external cover. 
     
     
       15. The device of  claim 14  wherein said stiffening members comprise plywood sheets. 
     
     
       16. The device of  claim 15  wherein said plywood sheets are sealed inside a foldable, sealable plastic sleeve. 
     
     
       17. The device of  claim 14  wherein said stiffening members comprise rigid plastic sheets. 
     
     
       18. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the exterior edge defining the perimeter of the module is square-shaped, whereby the module is attachable to at least one additional module in linear and rectangular configurations. 
     
     
       19. The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of essentially parallel longitudinal ribs integrated within the bottom of the module. 
     
     
       20. The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a reinforced motor mount affixed to a corner of the module. 
     
     
       21. The top deck surface of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one pair of apertures configured to receive oar locks. 
     
     
       22. A floatable platform comprising: 
       one or more independently buoyant modules releasably and flexibly connected to one another to form a single structure, wherein each module comprises a substantially planar module having a substantially flat top deck surface, a bottom, and at least four substantially flat sides forming an exterior edge defining the perimeter of the module;  
       a plurality of stiffening members integrated within said top deck surface;  
       at least two inflatable bladders defining the bottom and the perimeter of the module, each bladder having a top, a bottom, an exterior edge defining the perimeter of the bladder, an outside surface, and an inside surface, each said inflatable bladder further comprising an inflation valve and a plurality of substantially parallel longitudinal I-beam members integrated within said bladders and adjoining the top and bottom of the inside surface of the bladder;  
       a plurality of connectors affixed to the exterior edge of the module, whereby the module is releasably engagable with additional modules, fixed objects, boats, other vessels, and anchoring devices;  
       a reinforced strap affixed to a corner location along the exterior edge of the module, whereby the module is towable from one corner; and  
       a plurality of apertures located within the top deck surface to receive releasably attachable accessory items comprising beverage containers, coolers, chairs, umbrellas, retractable tops and the like.  
     
     
       23. The floatable platform of  claim 22  further comprising a plurality of module interface members, each member having a first end, a second end, a top, a bottom, a T-shaped cross-section, and a plurality of apertures arranged at intervals along the top of the member, whereby members are releasably attachable to the exterior edge connectors of each module, thereby providing structural integrity to the union of two adjoined floating modules.